Hitchins promises ‘different mode’ but fans want proof

Richardson Hitchins says he will be in a “different type of mode” for his next fight. IBF light welterweight champion Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) has yet to announce who he will fight next.

Eight years, no A-level wins

People are hoping that Hitchins shows some ambition by fighting the champions at 140, and the top contenders he sent away. So far, Hitchins has not fought an A-level fighter during his eight-year professional career.

His last fight was against the fading George Kambosos Jr. on June 14, 2025, was what he considered a step up. Fans didn’t feel that was the case. It was more of the same games Hitchins had his entire career. He still makes a big deal about his win over Kambosos, believing it helped make a name for himself.

Showing a “different type of mode” against the likes of Gary Antuanne Russell, Subriel Matias and Keyshawn Davis will show fans that Hitchins is for real. Fans believe that Hitchins wants nothing to do with any of them, and is just looking for a payday against fighters who have already made it.

Hitchins promises a new gear

My next fight I promise you I’ll come for it in a different type of mode 😤

— Richardson Hitchins (@HeIsRichardson) November 2, 2025

Richardson said last week that he was interested in moving up to 147 to fight the winner of the fight between Devin Haney and WBO 147-lb champion Brian Norman Jr. to defy. It doesn’t seem like a realistic option without Turki Alalshikh’s involvement.

Names that can test Him

Those fighters won’t be interested in fighting an unpopular fighter like Hitchins unless it pays. Hitchins wouldn’t have been fired by those two if he had already stepped it up against Russell, Keyshawn, Matias and Ernesto Mercado. The fact that he didn’t hold him back. He is still young at 28, but he should be further along in his career than he is.

Hitchins’ last six fights

• George Kambosos Jr
• Liam Paro
• Gustavo Lemos
• Joseph Zepeda
• John Bauza
• Yomar Alamo

“I do want to be the best. I’m fresh off a win over George Kambosos. I called out guys like Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez,” Hitchins said. Ring Magazine. “Some fighters thrive on taking chances, and some don’t. Talented, but scary,” Hitchins said of Teofimo Lopez.

If Hitchins were to move up and fight the top contenders at welterweight such as Shakhram Giyasov, Raul Curiel and Eimantas Stanionis, he would have a better case to make as to why he deserves to fight for a world title at 147.

“I’m open to working with Eddie (Hearn). He’s one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to make a name for myself,” Hitchins said of being with Hearn and his Matchroom company for the last six fights since 2022.